The grapes of Wrath

Now I'm a little behind and I have only gotten through the first few chapters so far but I have to say I was pretty interested. I don't know weather to admire the main charecter or be afraid of him.(: He told the the truck driver who gave him a lift that he had been in prison for homocide but got off after four years for "being good." I am seriously doubting that even in that time frame you get off for murder that fast. If I'm correct he mentioned to the ex preacher that he was drunk and defending himself.....so maybe his charge was manslaughter? I really like the old preacher he is funny. I'm excited to find out what happened to the main charecter's family. Write more after I read more.